Pallet

ABSTRACT

A pallet with single or double decks detachably fastened to pallet feet. The feet are anchored to an upper deck by twisting them into place. The upper deck is apertured on its under side to present tabs for anchoring the feet. The feet are hollow conical frustum bodies and may be stiffened by internally carried cores.

United States Patent Larson et a1.

[s41 PALLET [72] Inventors: Louis P. Larson, Glendale; Edward F.Repking, St. Louis, both of Mo.; Gary L. Wagner, Covington, La.

[73] Assignee: Crown Zellerbaeh Corporation, San Francisco, Calif.

[22 Filed: Oct. 19, 1970 21 Appl. No.: 81,803

[52] US. Cl ..108/51, 108/58 [51] Int. Cl. ..B65d 19/18 [58] Field ofSearch ..248/188; 85/1 L;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS [151 3,691,964 I451 Sept.19,1972

Primary Examiner-Bobby R. Gay

Assistant Examiner-Glenn O. Finch Attorney-Kolisch & Hartwell [57]ABSTRACT A pallet with single or double decks detachably fastened topallet feet. The feet are anchored to an upper deck by twisting theminto place. The upper deck is apertured on its under side to presenttabs for anchoring the feet. The feet are hollow conical frustum bodiesand may be stiffened by internally car- 3,407,758 10/ 1968 v Simkins..108/51 fled cores.

2,398,374 5/1946 Hartman ..151/41 2,255,649 9/1941 Burke ..-......l51/41 9 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTED I972 3.691. 964

sum 1 or 2 GARY L..WAGNER LOUIS I? LARSON EDWARD F REPKING INVENTORS BYkm 1 HM HHys.

PATENTED E? I 9 I SHEET 2 [IF 2 GARY L.WAGNER LOUIS P. LARSON EDWARDEREFKING INVENTORS BY KM 4 NM PALLET This invention relates to a pallet,and more particularly, to a pallet having detachable feet supporting adeck or platform therein in an elevated position.

A general object of the invention is to provide a new and useful palletwith detachable feet. With the construction contemplated, the feet arereadily attached to a platform or deck in the pallet to provide aserviceable unit.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pallet which may beconstructed'primarily of fiberboard and the like, rendering the palletproducible at relatively low'cost. The pallet contemplated can withstandnormal wear and tear over a substantial period of time.

Another and more specific object of the invention is to provide a palletwith detachable feet, where a foot is secured in place projecting fromthe underside of a platform in the pallet through means which becomesinterengaged through applying a twisting action to the foot. Thiseliminates the need for gluing, taping, stitching, or using otherauxiliary fastening means in securing a foot in place.

Pallets may be constructed according to the invention which requirelittle space during storage. Thus, the feet in the pallet may be storedseparately from the platform with multiple feet fitting one withinanother to form a nested stack. The platforms, which are substantiallyflat with the feet removed, may be stacked one against the other in apile.

Not only may the feet be readily secured to a platform, but they alsomay easily be removed at some later date if it should be desired tobreak down the pallet, or in the event replacement of a foot isnecessary.

A further feature and object of the invention is the provision of apallet which may be produced either as a single or a double deck unit,the particular type of construction which is selected depending upon theconditions under which the pallet is used.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention, will becomemore fully apparent as the following description, read in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a double-deck pallet constructed accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the bottom of the pallet shown in FIG. 1, withportions of the bottom deck in the pallet broken away and a foot removedto illustrate details of construction;

FIG. 3 illustrates, on a somewhat larger scale, one of the feet in thepallet, with portions of such foot broken awa FIG. 4 is a view lookingat the base of the foot illustrated in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, on an even larger scale, furtherillustrating how a foot is secured in place.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, the pallet illustrated is a doubledeck, four-way entry pallet including a top deck or platform 10 uponwhich the load to be supported is deposited, multiple feet 12 anchoredto the top deck and serving to support the top deck in an elevatedposition, and a lower deck or platform 14 secured to the bottom of feet12. The pallet is referred to as a four-way entry pallet, since thedistribution of the feet, as shown in FIG. 2, permits the usual tines orforks of a lift truck to be inserted under the upper deck with suchmoved inwardly from either of four sides of the pallet.

As indicated earlier, the pallet may be'constructed primarily ofmaterial such as fiberboard with such a construction resulting in arelatively lightweight, and economies in the production of the pallet. Aconstruction such as might be utilized is perhaps best illustrated inFIG. 5, where portions of the upper deck or platform are shown in crosssection. Referring to this FIG. the construction illustrated comprises apanel made up of a solid fiberboard sheet 16, and bonded to theunderside of the sheet one sheet of doublewall corrugated fiberboardshown at 20. These various sheets normally are imperforate', andcollectively constitute what is referred to herein as an upper layer inthe platform or deck. Suitably bonded to the lower face of sheet 20 isanother solid fiberboard sheet 22. This sheet, which formsthe undersideof the platform, is apertured in a manner to be described, for thepurpose of enabling the anchoring of feet to the platform. Sheet 22 isalso referred to herein as a lower layer in the platform.

Considering now in more detail the construction of a foot, and referringto FIGS. 3 and 4, each comprises a hollow, conical frustum body 24having an open top, as perhaps best illustrated by the edge 26 in FIG. 3which defines such opening. The body is closed off at its bottom or baseby a wall 28. Such body is preferably made of a light weight, stiffmaterial, such as a polyethylene or polystyrene plastic. Such materialis scuff and wear resistant, and has a limited degree of flexibility.

Integrally joined to the larger diameter or upper end of body 24, andequally circumferentially distributed about the bodys axis are multiple,arcuate, peripheral thread segments 30. These are carried radiallyoutwardly on the body. In the particular embodiment of the inventionherein described, as shown with reference to foot 12a in FIG. 2 which isshown in its entirety by reason of breaking away portions of theunderside of deck 10 in FIG. 2, three of such are provided. Eachresembles the thread segment shown in its entirety and in a larger scalein FIG. 4. Each thread segment takes the form of an arcuate flange orflange portion, the major portion 30a of which lies in a plane disposednormal to the axis of the body. This plane is common for all the threadsegments. Each thread segment terminates in an inclined, partially freedlead end portion, represented by portion 30b shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.Each inclined portion inclines axially outwardly of the larger diameterend of the body 24, and the lead ends of the three flange portionsterminate in a common plane extending normal to the axis of body 24.

Formed along the side of body 24 are channel regions 36, with one beinglocated between the trailing end 300 of a thread segment and the leadend 30b of a circumferentially adjacent thread segment. Each channelregion terminates adjacent the larger diameter end of the hollow body ina skirt such as that shown at 38, which parallels major portions 30a ofthe segments but is spaced a slight distance axially inwardly on thebody 24 from the larger diameter end of the body. Each skirt at one endjoins with the trailing end of a thread segment which is immediatelyadjacent one end, through a shoulder 40 (see FIG. 3). The opposite end41 of a skirt is unjoined.

Continuing with a description of a foot, wall 28 at the smaller diameteror lower end of body 24 is formed with a substantially cylindricallyshaped recessed region or indent 42. As seen in FIG. 3, extending aboutthe interior of the indent is an annular ridge 44.

A foot may be stiffened by including within the interior of its body 24a core, such as the one shown at 46 in FIG.- 3 in dashed outline. Thecore may take the form of a winding of corrugated board, the windinghaving a hollow center48 whereby it may sit as shown in FIG. 3 with itslower end seated over the protrusion within the body formed by indent42. The core when seated within the hollow body has atop face lyingsubstantially in the plane of the tops of portions 30a of the threadsegments and edge 26.

Considering again the panel forming the upper platform or deck in thepallet, and referring to FIG. 2, the lower layer in the panel, i.e.,fiberboard sheet 22, is apertured in the region where a foot is to beanchored, by a cutout 50. As shown in FIG. 2, such includes arcuatesweeps 50a curving on. a common radius about point 51, and notchedregions 50b. By the provision of such a cutout, between adjacent notchedregions cir-' cumferentially spaced tabs 52 are formed. In the region ofthese tabs sheet 22 on the underside of the panel is left unjoined tothe layer formed of sheets 16, 18 and 20.

- A foot is detachably anchored to the panel forming the upper deck inthe pallet by placing the larger diameter end of the-body in the footover cutout 50, with inclined lead end portions 30b disposed overnotched regions 50b. The foot portion is also properly centered, byplacing the axis of its body 24 over point 51 at the center of thecutout. Prior to placement of the foot, the stiffener, if it is to beused, may be properly seated within the interior of body 24. If the footis then turned by twisting the body about its longitudinal axis, thethread segments are caused to be advanced under the tabs- 52. The leadend portions, by inclining outwardly beyond the plane of portions 300facilitate initial movement of the thread segments under the tabs. Suchmovement is continued until skirts 38, which have substantially theoutline of notched regions 50b, move into registry with these notchedregions. On this occurring, shoulders 40 move up against edges 52a ofthe tabs, to limit further movement. Such shoulders, therefore, functionas stop portions in the construction. At this time, edges 52b of thetabs are in approximately the plane of skirt ends 41 whereby theyfunction to inhibit turning in the opposite direction.

With a foot detachably anchored as described, the top face of a core 46snugly engages the under surface of inner sheet 20. In this way, whenthe stiffener core is used it provides additional support for a load.

In constructing a single deck pallet, i.e., one that includes only thetop deck or platform 10, once the various feet have been anchored to thepanel forming the platform the pallet is complete. To prepare adoubledeck pallet including lower deck or platform 14, another panel issecured to the bottom of the various feet, using fastener devices of thetype illustrated in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 3, lower deck 14 may take the form of a panelconstructed of the same type of material as the panel making up upperdeck 10. The panel is provided with a circular cutout 56 in the regionof the panel which is to underlie indent 42 of a foot. Shown at 58 is afastener plug, which may be made of the same material as body 24. Theplug comprises a post portion 60 which is substantially cylindrical butslightly tapered, and a terminating flange 62 extendingcircumferentially about the base of the post portion. Such plug isinserted within the circular aperture, with the post extendingtherethrough and flange 62 coming up against the bottom face of thepanel. The plug is insertable into indent 42, with the postingfunctioning as a detent when so inserted. To produce a faster grip, anannular groove, such as that shown at 64, may be provided about thepost, which register with inner flange or ridge 44 about the interior ofindent 42 with the parts in their finally seated position.

From the above, it should be apparent that a very unique pallet has beendescribed, having a number of features and advantages. The same isreally assembled from panels and separated feet, through a mechanicalanchoring system wherein relative twisting produces interengagement ofthe parts. The pallet is versatile, being constructible either as asingle or double-deck unit. The detachable feet provided are extremelydurable, and well enabled to take heavy loading. The'pallet issusceptible of being manufactured from low cost materials, such as thefiberboard material described. The pallet is light, is easily decoratedor painted, and can be made moisture resistant by treatment. Onceassembled, it can be as easily disassembled with reverse twisting of thevarious feet. 1

Because the feet are formed of hollow, conical frustum bodies, which areopen at the top ends, and because the thread segments or flanges arecarried radially outwardly of the larger diameter ends of the bodies,the interior of the bodies are left unencumbered and multiple bodies maybe readily stacked one within another in a nested relationship. This isalso a contributing factor in space saving during storage periods.

While a particular embodiment of the invention has been described, it isappreciated that changes and variations are possible. It is desired tocover all such modifications of the invention as would be apparent toone skilled in the art.

It is claimed and desired to secure by Letters Patent:

1. A pallet comprising a platform including at least two sheet layerslying against each other with one forming the underside of the platform,an aperture in said one layer defining tabs circumferentiallydistributed about a point on the pallet platform, and a detachable footfor the pallet including peripheral flange portions at one end thereofinsertable under said tabs to hold the foot in place, said footcomprising a hollow conical frustum body and said peripheral flangeportions being carried radially outwardly on the larger diameter end ofsaid body, said body being open at its larger diameter end thus toaccommodate nesting of multiple bodies, one within the other.

2. The pallet of claim 1, which further comprises another platformdisposed against the smaller diameter end of said body in said foot,said foot includes an indent at its said smaller diameter end, anddetent means on said other platform fits within said indent to securesaid other platform to said foot.

3. The pallet of claim 1, wherein said foot further comprises astiffener core mounted within said body which bears against the otherlayer in said platform, and the smaller diameter end of said body has awall closing it off to retain the core within said body.

4. A pallet comprising a platform providing a worksupporting surface inthe pallet and having an underside, and

feet adapted to be anchored to said plateform serving to elevate theplatform during use of the pallet,

a foot in said pallet including a body having an axis which is normal tothe platform with the foot in operative position, and thread meansextending about said axis of said body, said thread means comprisingmultiple thread segments equally circumferentially distributed about theaxis of the foot having lead ends terminating in a substantially commonplane normal to said axis,

said platform including thread complementing means exposed on theunderside thereof engageable with the thread means of the foot for thepurpose of detachably securing the foot to the platform, said threadcomplementing means of the pallet platform comprising radiallyprojecting tabs equally circumferentially distributed about a point onthe underside of the platform engageable with the thread segments of afoot, said platform including portions overlying said tabs cooperatingwith said tabs in engaging sides of said segments.

5. The pallet of claim 1, wherein a foot includes stop portionsinterspersed with said thread segments limiting turning movement of thefoot. 1

6. The pallet of claim 1, wherein the thread means in a foot comprisesthread segments carried extemaily thereon and the complementing threadmeans of the pallet platform comprises tabs projecting radially inwardlyand providing an internally engaging construction for said thread meansof a' foot.

7. The pallet of claim 1, wherein the underside of the platform isformed by a sheet apertured to present said tabs.

8. The pallet of claim 1, wherein the platform comprises at least twosheet layers lying against each other, one forming the underside of theplatform and such one layer being apertured to present said tabs, theother layer forming an abutment surface which the foot bears against.

9. A pallet comprising a platform including at least two sheet layerslying against each other with one forming the underside of the platform,an aperture in said one layer defining tabs circumferentiallydistributed about a point on the pallet platform, a detachable foot forthe pallet including peripheral flange portions at one end thereofinsertable under said tabs'to hold the foot in place, said footcomprising a hollow body and said flange portions extending radiallyoutwardly of said body at said one end of the foot, said body beingopened at said one end of the foot and the opposite end of said bodyforming the opposite end of the foot having a wall closing off saidbody, the foot further comprising a stiffener core mounted within saidbody which bears against the other layer in said platform and which isretained by said wall in said body, said wall having an indent and saidcore being recessed to receive the indent of said wall, and anotherplatform disposed against said opposite end of said foot, said otherplatform having a detent which fits within said indent.

1. A pallet comprising a platform including at least two sheet layerslying against each other with one forming the underside of the platform,an aperture in said one layer defining tabs circumferentiallydistributed about a point on the pallet platform, and a detachable footfor the pallet including peripheral flange portions at one end thereofinsertable under said tabs to hold the foot in place, said footcomprising a hollow conical frustum body and said peripheral flangeportions being carried radially outwardly on the larger diameter end ofsaid body, said body being open at its larger diameter end thus toaccommodate nesting of multiple bodies, one within the other.
 2. Thepallet of claim 1, which further comprises another platform disposedagainst the smaller diameter end of said body in said foot, said footincludes an indent at its said smaller diameter end, and detent means onsaid other platform fits within said indent to secure said otherplatform to said foot.
 3. The pallet of claim 1, wherein said footfurther comprises a stiffener core mounted within said body which bearsagainst the other layer in said platform, and the smaller diameter endof said body has a wall closing it off to retain the core within saidbody.
 4. A pallet comprising a platform providing a work-supportingsurface in the pallet and having an underside, and feet adapted to beanchored to said plateform serving to elevate the platform during use ofthe pallet, a foot in said pallet including a body having an axis whichis normal to the platform with the foot in operative position, andthread means extending about said axis of said body, said thread meanscomprising multiple thread segments equally circumferentiallydistributed about the axis of the foot having lead ends terminating in asubstantially common plane normal to said axis, said platform includingthread complementing means exposed on the underside thereof engageablewith the thread means of the foot for the purpose of detachably securingthe foot to the platform, said thread complementing means of the palletplatform comprising radially projecting tabs equally circumferentiallydistributed about a point on the underside of the platform engageablewith the thread segments of a foot, said platform including portionsoverlying said tabs cooperating with saiD tabs in engaging sides of saidsegments.
 5. The pallet of claim 1, wherein a foot includes stopportions interspersed with said thread segments limiting turningmovement of the foot.
 6. The pallet of claim 1, wherein the thread meansin a foot comprises thread segments carried externally thereon and thecomplementing thread means of the pallet platform comprises tabsprojecting radially inwardly and providing an internally engagingconstruction for said thread means of a foot.
 7. The pallet of claim 1,wherein the underside of the platform is formed by a sheet apertured topresent said tabs.
 8. The pallet of claim 1, wherein the platformcomprises at least two sheet layers lying against each other, oneforming the underside of the platform and such one layer being aperturedto present said tabs, the other layer forming an abutment surface whichthe foot bears against.
 9. A pallet comprising a platform including atleast two sheet layers lying against each other with one forming theunderside of the platform, an aperture in said one layer defining tabscircumferentially distributed about a point on the pallet platform, adetachable foot for the pallet including peripheral flange portions atone end thereof insertable under said tabs to hold the foot in place,said foot comprising a hollow body and said flange portions extendingradially outwardly of said body at said one end of the foot, said bodybeing opened at said one end of the foot and the opposite end of saidbody forming the opposite end of the foot having a wall closing off saidbody, the foot further comprising a stiffener core mounted within saidbody which bears against the other layer in said platform and which isretained by said wall in said body, said wall having an indent and saidcore being recessed to receive the indent of said wall, and anotherplatform disposed against said opposite end of said foot, said otherplatform having a detent which fits within said indent.